Antenna connection for integrated rfid tag and tpms sensor

Abstract

An integrated radio frequency identification tag and tire pressure monitoring system sensor includes a radio frequency identification tag. The radio frequency identification tag includes an integrated circuit, and a printed circuit board carries the integrated circuit. A tire pressure monitoring system sensor is mounted on the radio frequency identification tag. An antenna includes at least one coil antenna wire. The antenna wire is formed in a helical shape and is electrically connected to the integrated circuit. A first end of the antenna wire is mounted to the printed circuit board. A mechanical interlock between the first end of the antenna wire and the printed circuit board includes features that secure the first end of the antenna wire to the printed circuit board.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An integrated radio frequency identification tag and tire pressure monitoring system sensor comprising:
 a radio frequency identification tag, the radio frequency identification tag including an integrated circuit;   a printed circuit board carrying the integrated circuit;   a tire pressure monitoring system sensor being mounted on the radio frequency identification tag;   an antenna including at least one coil antenna wire, the at least one antenna wire being formed in a helical shape and being electrically connected to the integrated circuit;   the at least one coil antenna wire including a first end that is mounted to the printed circuit board; and   a mechanical interlock between the first end of the coil antenna wire and the printed circuit board, the mechanical interlock including a feature securing the first end of the coil antenna wire to the printed circuit board, wherein the feature includes a straight slot formed in the printed circuit board, the straight slot extending through a thickness of the printed circuit board and being positioned to create an insert between a top edge of the printed circuit board and the straight slot, wherein the insert is less than an inside diameter of the coil antenna wire and the first end of the coil antenna wire engages the insert.   
     
     
         2 . The integrated radio frequency identification tag and tire pressure monitoring system sensor of  claim 1 , wherein a recess is formed in the printed circuit board near the straight slot and does not extend through the thickness of the printed circuit board, and wherein the first end of the coil antenna wire includes a terminus that seats in the recess. 
     
     
         3 . The integrated radio frequency identification tag and tire pressure monitoring system sensor of  claim 1 , further comprising a solder pad formed on the printed circuit board, wherein the first end of the antenna is mounted to the solder pad with solder. 
     
     
         4 . The integrated radio frequency identification tag and tire pressure monitoring system sensor of  claim 1 , further comprising a pneumatic tire, the integrated radio frequency identification tag and tire pressure monitoring system sensor being mounted to the pneumatic tire.